Red Cross rescue team joins Cockermouth floods rescue operation

20 November 2009

Following heavy rains that brought devastating flooding to Cockermouth, Red Cross swift water rescue teams – equipped with two boats – have been helping in the operation to evacuate more than 200 people.

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Working alongside the RNLI, Coastguard and Fire and Rescue Service, the Red Cross has been providing 24-hour support and worked throughout the night to get residents out of flooded properties. A third boat is currently en route to the area to further help in the rescue effort.

The organisation also has four Red Cross Land Rover 4x4 ambulances in Cockermouth to help transport stricken residents and deal with any first aid requirements.

The Red Cross has also set up a control centre in Newcastle and is expecting more requests for assistance. Tesco has donated 200 packs of clothes for children and adults that have been driven up to Cumbria by volunteers from Lincolnshire.

The Environment Agency currently has four severe flood warnings in place – all in Cumbria – while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency reported nine severe flood warnings.